My Approach to Legal Translation

My Approach to German to English Legal Translation

Accuracy

Accuracy is the key to legal translation. Thus, before translating a text, I consult a wide variety of texts and resources. The online portal of the European Union, EurLEX, provides an invaluable database of past translation that I draw upon. I also use various specialised dictionaries in the area of law such as Dietl/Lorenz. In addition, many leading law firms now offer guides to specific areas of German law in English, which is another source of terminology. Finally, I have a large network of German lawyers to call upon, should all else fail.

Translations on Time

Nonetheless, a deadline is a deadline. Thus, my guarantee is that a translation is never charged if delivered even a minute late.

Quality

Translation is a product. Thus, like any other product, I use quality control techniques to ensure that the work I deliver is free of typos, grammar mistakes, spelling mistakes or translations that are simply wrong. Thus, all translations are proofread before delivery, and I use CAT tools to ensure that a word is translated consistently throughout the text. However, quality is largely the result of the amount time spent on the translation. Thus, the longer I have to translate, the better results. Even the world’s best translator will struggle to deliver quality if the deadline is unrealistic. As a rule of thumb, 2,000 words a day is ideal.

Just Legal Translation

And just German into English – I stick to what I know. Therefore, I leave medical and technical translation to medical and technical translators. This also has allowed me to develop a focused body of expertise in the area of legal translation.